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Fulham's Schwarzer aware of improving Oman side led by Wigan's Al-Habsi

Mark Schwarzer says Australia is increasingly aware of the talent within the Oman national team.

The Fulham goalkeeper is preparing to lead the Socceroos into battle for the World Cup qualifier in Sydney early next week but he knows very well that Oman, led by Wigan Athletic counterpart Ali Al-Habsi, will prove a difficult opponent.

"They're a talented side and they've got some skilful individual players," Schwarzer said.

"I know the goalkeeper (Al-Habsi) well, who plays for Wigan in the Premiership and I've been able to see him quite a lot over the years.

"I think they're definitely one of the emerging Arab nations in football and they've continuously, consistently got to the final stages of World Cup qualifying campaigns since we've been in Asia.

"We know that they're a team that is getting more and more organised as the years go on and also becoming a better team."

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.